Outdoors

Outdoor gifts that don't necessarily rely on modern technology

Between the apps and the iPads, the wireless this and techno that, it's a wonder there are still good, old-fashioned practical Christmas presents. After all, those long johns that Granny gave you as a kid may not have scored many "likes" on Facebook, but they sure saved your buns from icing over on many a January morning.

If there's an upside to the new millennium from the pragmatic perspective, though, it's that useful gifts don't necessarily need to come in the various shades of olive drab formerly found at the nearby Army surplus store. They come in all sorts of useful sizes, shapes and, yes, shades, including camo, if that's your preference.

So, for those who have not yet achieved the level of pragmatism required to complete your Christmas lists by now, here are a few useful items and ideas that are bound to be "liked" by the uncomplicated outdoorsmen (and women) in your world:

OK, so while it might seem like we're jumping right in with the techie crowd here, these are actually updated versions of some old-school Eddie Bauer classics. Most significant among them in regard to the Upland Hunting Vest is the addition of a water bladder that tucks cleanly into a dedicated pocket in the spacious rear game bag. Ideal for warm days in the field, the bladder holds enough for both hunter and hound. More traditional features include durable 500-denier ripstop Cordura construction and seemingly infinite fit adjustments, including a load-bearing waist belt and yoke (sizing runs large). The downside is the limited number of pockets (just two shell pockets with multiple compartments). Yet there's ample room for the important stuff in the back half of this lightweight vest designed to last for years.

The Microtherm jacket was basically built for Colorado's cold, dry climate, offering 800-fill down in a form-fitting, quilted front-zip weighing in at less than a pound. Heavy-duty Cordura overlays help turn this into a hunting jacket. The quiet, 40-denier ripstop nylon shell, fleece-lined collar, flexible stretch panels and water-repellant coating complete the task. Also available as a vest.

It isn't only hunters and fishermen who will benefit from this portable vacuum sealer. But as the saying goes: If you kill it, you have to grill it. And that means you probably have to freeze it first. Since nothing kills a steak or fillet quite like freezer burn, the GameSaver Silver doubles as a lifesaver. Straightforward functionality puts an airtight seal at your fingertips that prevents freezer burn and stores food significantly longer than standard ZipLoc bags. Portability is the recently redesigned unit's greatest asset, enhanced by a carrying case and 12-volt adaptor power cord that plugs directly into a car. Consider using the unit to weatherproof valuables while camping or traveling as well.

With 30 years of sock stitching to their credit, the folks at Darn Tough Vermont socks bring more than just a cool name to the Christmas party. They bring a lifetime guarantee. That's right, on your socks. Do shoes do that? Skiers and snowboarders will appreciate well-placed cushioning, undetectable seams and the insulation of Merino wool. Hunters and fishermen get their own durable blend of Merino, nylon and Spandex treated with Scent Lok.

Ever notice how the Survivorman never gets dropped off anywhere in the world without his trusty multi-tool? He'll MacGyver together a week's worth of food, shelter, fire and maybe even water in the most remote wilderness on earth, so long as he has his trusty Leatherman. Of course, these days you need a computer to figure out which model multi-tool you really need. Or you could imagine yourself in one of those gruesome survival scenarios they make feature films about and opt for the new One Handed Tool (OHT). For the first time, every one of the 16 tools on the full-size Leatherman is fully operable with one hand, including the spring-loaded pliers.

This newly launched site works with various adventure outfitters across the state, offering gift recipients their choice of activities, ranging from ice climbing and showshoeing to zip-lining and beyond.

Lockheed says object part of 'sensor technology' testing that ended ThursdayWhat the heck is that thing? It's fair to assume that question was on the minds of many people who traveled along Colo. 128 south of Boulder this week if they happened to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a large, silver projectile perched alongside the highway and pointed north toward town.

PARIS (AP) — Bye, New York! Ciao, Milan! Bonjour, Paris! The world's largest traveling circus of fashion editors, models, buyers and journalists has descended on the French capital, clutching their metro maps and city guides, to cap the ready-to-wear fashion season. Full Story